National Statistics Prize for Graduate

BY: .

Miss Venelle Pather, who graduated with a degree in Statistics, is the winner of the South African Statistical Association Third Year competition. 

As a result of winning the competition, Pather was awarded a scholarship sponsored by the Association to study for an Honours degree in Statistics at a South African institution of her choice. Only one scholarship is awarded in the competition and it is based purely on merit for a top-achieving student. 

Pather chose to pursue her postgraduate studies at UKZN and has registered for her Honours in Statistics on the Westville campus. 

Academic Leader of Statistics in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Professor Delia North, commented: ‘Venelle’s excellent results are a tribute to her hard work as well as the high level of teaching she has received from all the lecturers that have guided her thus far, making this win an important achievement for all who have had a hand in teaching her. I am so proud of her and all maths/stats that helped her develop.’ 

Pather decided to pursue Statistics as a major as soon as she realised, during her studies, that Statistics was far more important than she had imagined. 

‘It contributes greatly to society's development, in the sense that it isn't just a specific field but a field that is applied and is central to vital conclusions in many other fields, such as finance and biology.’  

Pather said during her third year studies in 2013, her lecturers played a crucial role in her progress and academic development. She ensured that she would excel by making the most of the resources available to her on campus. 

‘My polite, pleasant and hard-working lecturers - Professor Glenda Matthews, Mr Chun-Kai Huang and Mr Jahvaid Hammujuddy - always made themselves available to help every student, so they also deserve credit for my achievement. Professor Delia North has also been very helpful.’ 

Pather says that winning the 2013 SASA Scholarship competition was the highlight of her time at UKZN.

‘Winning this competition showed me that anything is possible as long as you have the necessary capability, determination and patience to work at it. I believe that there is potential instilled in each and every one of us. So, my advice to every individual is that you should never let fear stand in the way of achieving greatness, and thus achieving your every dream and goal.’ 

-          Christine Cuénod